The State of the California Community Colleges, 1999.

This speech by Chancellor Thomas J. Nussbaum deals with the state of California Community Colleges. The document begins by noting successes in three main areas: restoring access, improving funding per student, and improving the performance of California's community colleges. Between fall 1995 and fall 1999, California's community colleges increased enrollment by over 180,000 students, and per student funding has increased by $846, bringing the per student spending cost to $4,379. Despite some welcome progress, there are many other areas that need more support. During the 1990's, the colleges were not funded for cost of living changes for 4 out of the 10 years, resulting in a neglected human resources infrastructure and neglect in the promotion of diversity. In addition, a preoccupation with means, such as funding and political control, interfered with a focus on ends, namely student learning. Chancellor Nussbaum concludes with six challenges and initiatives for the system's future: (1) continue to pursue goals of access and student funding; (2) continue to pursue funding for and implementation of the Partnership for Excellence; (3) rebuild the diversity of human resources; (4) improve governance, infuse technology into the colleges, improve transfer to four-year institutions, and establish a marketing campaign--all in an effort to reach access and funding goals; (5) strengthen workforce preparation and economic development; and (6) prepare to rewrite or revise the New Basic Agenda. (AF)